How To Acquire the Coveted Black Pearl in Ark: Survival Evolved

So, you’re on the hunt for Black Pearls in Ark: Survival Evolved, are you? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s cut to the chase: you primarily get Black Pearls by harvesting them from the corpses of specific creatures, mainly found in the depths of the ocean or within cave systems, or through a few select surface spawns. This includes creatures such as the Eurypterid, Trilobite, Tusoteuthis, and the deadly Deathworm (on Scorched Earth and Ragnarok). Ready to dive deeper?

Diving Deep: Primary Sources of Black Pearls

While stumbling upon a random Black Pearl on a beach is about as likely as finding a friendly Giganotosaurus, there are reliable methods to consistently acquire these valuable resources. Knowing where to look and what to fight is half the battle.

The Ocean’s Grim Offering: Eurypterids and Tusoteuthis

The ocean, in all its terrifying glory, is your primary hunting ground. The Eurypterid, a scorpion-like creature, is often found in underwater caves and along the ocean floor. They aren’t particularly tough, but they swarm, so be prepared for multiple engagements.

Then there’s the Tusoteuthis, a colossal squid that can grab and squeeze the life out of you and your mount. Defeating one of these behemoths will yield a significant amount of Black Pearls, but the risk is considerable. The Tusoteuthis is found in the deeper parts of the ocean, often near cave entrances, and will definitely put your combat skills to the test.

Caves: Treasures and Terrors within the Earth

Caves are another prime location for finding Black Pearls, both from creature drops and sometimes as loose resources. Underwater caves are particularly lucrative, often harboring Eurypterids. Regular caves might also have the occasional spawn of loose Black Pearls, but these are far less common than creature drops.

Scorched Earth’s Fiery Demise: Deathworm Encounters

If you’re playing on Scorched Earth or Ragnarok, you have another deadly option: the Deathworm. These giant sandworms emerge from the desert sands to devour anything foolish enough to cross their path. Slaying a Deathworm is no easy feat, but the reward – a substantial quantity of Black Pearls – is well worth the effort for advanced players. Be prepared for a challenging fight, and bring your best gear and tames!

Optimizing Your Black Pearl Hunt

Simply knowing where to find Black Pearls isn’t enough. You need to optimize your approach to maximize your yield and minimize your risk.

Taming the Right Creature

Having the right tame can drastically improve your Black Pearl hunting efficiency. For ocean dives, a well-bred Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis is highly recommended. The Basilosaurus is immune to the irritating effects of Cnidaria (jellyfish) and Electrophorus (electric eels), making it a safer option for exploring dangerous waters. The Tusoteuthis itself is capable of harvesting Black Pearls effectively from the creatures it defeats.

For Deathworm hunting, a well-levelled Wyvern is your best bet. Their fire breath can quickly dispatch these sandworms, allowing you to collect your Black Pearls with minimal risk.

Gear Up for Success

Don’t even think about heading into the ocean without proper scuba gear or a high-level Lazarus Chowder. Scuba gear provides oxygen and insulation, while Lazarus Chowder dramatically increases your oxygen regeneration, allowing you to stay submerged for longer.

For cave exploration, bring durable armor, powerful weapons, and plenty of healing items. Caves are often filled with dangerous creatures and environmental hazards, so preparation is key.

Knowing the Spawn Points

While creature spawns can be somewhat random, certain areas are known to be hotspots for Black Pearl-yielding creatures. Researching these locations on the Ark wiki or watching gameplay videos can give you a significant advantage. Pay attention to community forums and player-created maps, as they often contain valuable information on Black Pearl spawn locations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Black Pearls

Here are some frequently asked questions about Black Pearls, aimed at further expanding your knowledge and addressing common concerns:

1. What are Black Pearls used for in Ark: Survival Evolved?

Black Pearls are a crucial crafting ingredient for advanced items and structures. These include, but are not limited to: Tek Tier items (like the Tek Replicator, Tek Transmitter, and Tek Armor), high-end crafting recipes, and certain structures required for advanced gameplay. Think of them as a key that unlocks the end-game content.

2. Can I farm Black Pearls using a specific creature?

While you can’t “farm” Black Pearls in the traditional sense (like planting crops), you can create a hunting route that involves repeatedly killing Eurypterids or Tusoteuthis in specific locations. With a good Basilosaurus or Tusoteuthis, you can efficiently clear out these creatures and harvest their Black Pearls. This is often referred to as “pseudo-farming.”

3. Are there any specific tools that improve my Black Pearl harvesting?

Yes, using a metal pick or a chainsaw on a Deathworm corpse can yield more Black Pearls than harvesting by hand. Certain creatures, like the Tusoteuthis, are also very effective at harvesting Black Pearls from the creatures they kill. Experiment to find what works best for you.

4. Do Black Pearl spawn locations change between different maps?

Yes, absolutely. The spawn locations of Black Pearl-yielding creatures vary significantly depending on the map. For example, the Deathworm is exclusive to Scorched Earth and Ragnarok. Always research the specific spawn locations for the map you are playing on.

5. Is it worth trading for Black Pearls instead of farming them myself?

This depends on your server’s economy and your own time constraints. If Black Pearls are readily available and reasonably priced, trading can be a viable option. However, many players prefer the challenge and sense of accomplishment that comes with finding them themselves. Trading is useful when you’re pressed for time or need a few extra pearls to finish a project.

6. Are there any creatures that eat Black Pearls?

No, no creatures consume Black Pearls. They are strictly a crafting ingredient. Your tamed creatures will not benefit from a Black Pearl diet.

7. What is the best strategy for surviving a Tusoteuthis attack?

Avoiding the grab is key. Stay at a distance and use ranged attacks if possible. If grabbed, try to dismount and use a high-damage weapon to kill the Tusoteuthis quickly. High-level tames with good armor can also withstand a Tusoteuthis attack long enough for you to kill it. Coordinate with teammates to deal maximum damage.

8. Can I find Black Pearls on The Island map?

Yes, you can find Black Pearls on The Island, primarily from Eurypterids in underwater caves and the deeper ocean regions. While not as abundant as on some other maps, they are definitely present.

9. Does difficulty affect the amount of Black Pearls dropped?

Difficulty level affects the overall loot quality, which can indirectly impact the number of Black Pearls dropped, but it’s not a direct correlation. Higher difficulty generally means tougher creatures, but potentially better rewards.

10. Are there any glitches or exploits to easily obtain Black Pearls?

Using glitches or exploits to obtain Black Pearls is generally frowned upon and can result in server bans. It’s best to acquire them through legitimate gameplay. Plus, the fun is in the hunt!

11. What are the best caves to search for Black Pearls?

Underwater caves in Ark are notorious for holding a lot of Black Pearls. On the Island, the cave near the Volcano is a popular option. On other maps, research the underwater cave locations as they vary drastically.

12. How do I protect my Black Pearls from being stolen by other players?

Store your Black Pearls in a secure base with strong defenses. Use locked vaults and consider placing turrets to deter raiders. Remember, proper base design and active defense are your best protection against theft.